Hypothyroidism, the most common type of thyroid
disorder, occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce
enough thyroid hormone. According to the American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, as many as
27 million Americans may have some type of thyroid
disorder. Of that number, approximately
half remain undiagnosed.
Managing hypothyroidism
requires a comprehensive understanding
of its effects, its fluctuations,
and the targeted nutritional
strategies that can restore optimal
thyroid function.

Thyroid 101:
The thyroid is located in the
middle of the neck, just below the "Adams apple" or
larynx. This gland utilizes iodine to make thyroid
hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine
(T3). The thyroid is under the control of the pituitary
gland, a small gland found at the base of the brain. If the
levels of thyroid hormones drop too low, the pituitary
gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH
stimulates the thyroid to make more T3 and T4—raising
their levels in the blood. When the pituitary gland detects
increased levels of T3 and T4 in the blood stream, it then
decreases its TSH production.

The pituitary gland gets its information in several ways.
It is able to detect and respond directly to the amounts
of T4 circulating in the blood, but it also responds to the
hypothalamus, a region of the brain that releases its own
hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This
network of communication between the hypothalamus,
the pituitary gland, and the thyroid gland is often referred
to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT axis).

Once released into the blood stream, T3 and T4 are
transported throughout the body to regulate numerous
physiologic functions, including metabolism. In the case
of hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not produce enough
T3 and T4. Often, hypothyroidism is not diagnosed
because the signs and symptoms are easily confused
with other conditions, such as the natural aging
process, menopause, or stress. Signs and symptoms of
hypothyroidism include: fatigue, weakness, weight
gain, coarse/dry hair, hair loss, dry/rough skin, memory
loss, abnormal menstrual cycles, pallor, cold intolerance,
muscle aches/cramps, constipation, depression,
irritability, and decreased libido.

Often, individuals will have
"normal" lab results, but may still
be symptomatic. This is referred to
as subclinical or sublaboratory
hypothyroidism. Regardless of the
severity of hypothyroidism, if left untreated,
it can affect the cardiovascular
system, reproductive system and other
major organs.

Modern Day Influences:
Ultimately, hypothyroidism is due to an imbalance in
the HPT axis. In most cases, the imbalance has multiple
causes, including stress, excess hormones, and many
other factors.
The body is hardwired to respond a certain way to
dangerous situations. This "fight or flight" response
prepares the body to either run away from the danger
(e.g., bear) or confront the danger (e.g., fight the bear).
During these "fight or flight" responses, a hormone called cortisol
is secreted in higher levels and is responsible for several stressrelated
changes (increase in blood pressure, lower sensitivity to
pain, etc.). After the perceived threat is gone, the body's relaxation
response is activated and cortisol levels return to normal.
However, in modern times, the "fight or flight" response may be
constantly activated and cortisol levels remain high.

Our modern day lifestyle and the chronic stress it produces can
profoundly affect thyroid function. Studies have demonstrated
that stress, no matter how induced, is capable of altering thyroid
hormone levels. In addition, combining several different stressful
factors (sleep deprivation, calorie restriction, and intense physical
activity) has been shown to have a synergistic effect on thyroid
hormone levels.

Exogenous hormones, such as HRT and xenoestrogens,
have also been shown to interfere with thyroid function. A 2007
study suggests that the thiocyanate in tobacco smoke interacts
with other substances to affect thyroid function—yet another
reason to kick the smoking habit. Other factors that have been
shown to affect thyroid function include insulin resistance,
nutritional deficiencies, poor digestion, dysbiosis, goitrogens,
genetics, and aging.

Supporting Thyroid Function: Safe, Natural Alternatives
When looking at optimizing thyroid function, we need to
first look closely at such basic factors as diet, sleep, and stress
reduction. Achieving the recommended 7-9 hours of deep sleep
each night is crucial for overall health in general. Because stress
plays such an integral role in thyroid health, individuals should
look at incorporating stress-reducing practices into their daily
routine, whether it's taking a yoga class or just spending five minutes doing some deep breathing exercises.
Another key to managing thyroid hormone
production is to ensure the thyroid glands are
well-nourished. However, the reality is that most
individuals don't get the recommended daily allowances
of nutrients from their diets. Supplements can
play an integral role, in conjunction with a healthy
diet, in achieving optimal nutritional intake.

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